Product classification
HS code for Frozen red salmon: 0303.11
Fish, frozen, Pacific salmon, sockeye salmon (red salmon) (Oncorhynchus nerka), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen red salmon under HS 0303.11
Frozen red salmon, scientifically known as Oncorhynchus nerka or sockeye salmon, is classified under HS code 0303.11. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure, which first categorizes the product under Chapter 3 (Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). Within this chapter, Heading 0303 is reserved for fish that are frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The specific subheading 0303.11 is designated for Pacific salmon, specifically sockeye salmon. To qualify for this code, the fish must be frozen and presented in a whole state, or as headed and gutted (H&G) carcasses. It specifically excludes any fish that has been processed into fillets or minced meat, as well as edible fish offal such as livers and roes, which are classified under subheadings 0303.91 through 0303.99. The classification relies heavily on the biological species and the state of preservation (frozen) and presentation (whole/H&G).
- Covers
- Frozen whole sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
- Frozen headed and gutted (H&G) red salmon
- Frozen sockeye salmon with fins and tail intact
- Frozen red salmon intended for further industrial processing into fillets
- Also under 0303.11
- Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon
- Bristol Bay Sockeye
- Copper River Sockeye (frozen)
- "Frozen Whole Sockeye Salmon."
Codes often confused with 0303.11
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 0303.12, which covers other Pacific salmon such as Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch). While these are also Pacific salmon, 0303.11 is strictly reserved for the sockeye species. Another common error is using 0304.81 for frozen red salmon fillets. If the salmon has been sliced into fillets, it must be moved from heading 0303 to 0304. Additionally, if the salmon is fresh or chilled rather than frozen, it would fall under heading 0302, specifically 0302.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030311 (the code used for frozen red salmon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030311 (the code used for frozen red salmon) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 29% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030311, not only frozen red salmon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $266M 54% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$166M 34% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $17M 3.4% of world exports
World total: $490M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $142M 29% of world imports
- 2 Canada $90M 19% of world imports
- 3 Poland $60M 12% of world imports
World total: $485M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for frozen red salmon
Brazil classifies frozen red salmon under NCM 0303.11.00: HS 0303.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen red salmon
What is the HS code for Frozen red salmon?
The HS code for Frozen red salmon is 030311 (Fish; frozen, Pacific salmon, sockeye salmon (red salmon) (Oncorhynchus nerka), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen red salmon (sockeye salmon) is 0303.11.
How do I classify Frozen red salmon for customs?
Frozen red salmon is classified under HS code 030311 — Fish; frozen, Pacific salmon, sockeye salmon (red salmon) (Oncorhynchus nerka), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen salmon fillets?
No, frozen salmon fillets are classified under HS code 0304.81. HS code 0303.11 only applies to whole or headed and gutted frozen fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen red salmon (HS 030311)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030311 (the code used for frozen red salmon) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($266M, 54% of world exports), Russia (about $166M) and Canada ($17M). World exports came to about $490M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of frozen red salmon (HS 030311)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030311 (the code used for frozen red salmon) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($142M, 29% of world imports), Canada ($90M) and Poland ($60M). World imports came to about $485M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Frozen red salmon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030311 for Frozen red salmon is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for frozen red salmon in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen red salmon (HS 030311) is classified under NCM 0303.11.00.